Deadline: 19 January 2025
Ref: DA/24/64
**_Background_**
**_Beamline / Project / Activity description_**
The NanoInnovation Lab (NIL) at Elettra applies advanced nanotechnologies to biology and medicine, and (bio)materials. NIL main activities use Atomic Force Microscopy/Fluorescence Microscopy integrated set-ups to study biological interactions at the molecular, cellular and tissue scales, with full control of physiological parameters. Also, detailed information on cell and tissue biomechanics derived, at high resolution (i.e., with subcellular details) from nanoindentation techniques, are used to study disease (e.g., cancer; neurodegenerative diseases) progression and to evaluate the effect of specific therapies. Finally, the NIL has renown expertise on biomimetic models of plasma membranes, synergistically studied with AFM, X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, for the evaluation of nanovesicles (in particular extracellular vesicles, EVs) and nanoparticles uptake mechanisms, in relation to membrane parameters such as order and fluidity.
The laboratory has recently been renewed and equipped with a Chiaro Optics11 Nanoindenter for high-throughput biomechanical studies, and with a state-of-the-art, high-resolution, fast scanning AFM (Cypher VRS 1250, Asylum Research, Oxford Instrument).
**_Job description_**
In addition, she/he should provide high-quality support to external users, thus gaining opportunities for collaborative work with national and international research groups.
**_Qualifications_**
A PhD (or at least 3-years post-degree working experience) in Nanotechnology, Physics, or closely related disciplines is required, together with the following technical skills:
- proven expertise in advanced 2D and 3D cell culture techniques (including establishing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex cellular models);
- expertise in atomic force microscopy, encompassing both imaging and sample preparation for nanoscale characterization (which includes familiarity with surface roughness analysis, and adhesion force measurements).
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, with the ability to clearly present research findings and prepare scientific publications.
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- Applications should include full curriculum vitae signed by the applicant (preferably using the European Curriculum Vitae Format in PDF), with the names and contact information (including electronic mail) of at least two professional references._
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- The interviews may be held via video conferencing._
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- Permanent employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. and employees or former employees of any Italian Public Entity who have exercised authority over Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or have negotiated with Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. within the last three years will be excluded from the present selection procedure, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the Italian legislative decree no. 39/2013 and in conjunction with article 53 (subsection16ter) of Italian legislative decree no. 165/2001._
- We thank all applicants in advance._